CSL take on soccer structure in Canada....

[Rocket Robin]

For Immediate Release

A stronger professional soccer structure for Canada

TORONTO – Thursday, January 12 - Canada, perhaps more than most countries in membership with FIFA, has often experienced difficulty defining its professional soccer structure and this is due in part to Canadian teams playing in leagues based in the United States, while at the same time a number of North American leagues have come and gone during the second half of the last century.

Today, there are three Canadian teams – Montreal Impact, the Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC - in membership with the U.S.-based Major League Soccer, while Edmonton FC is the lone Canadian team in a new North American Soccer League which was launched in the United States and Canada on April 9, 2011. (The old NASL ran from 1968 to 1984).

The other component of Canada’s professional soccer structure and designated semi-professional soccer by the CSA, is a growing Canadian Soccer League, a continuation of forerunner leagues NSL, CNSL and CPSL, going back to 1926.

It’s been hard to define the three Canadian MLS teams as a Canadian division in Canada and it’s even more difficult to see one team – Edmonton FC – defined as another division in the context of the Canadian soccer community. What can be said is that these teams now form the upper level Canadian professional soccer structure in which the teams play under U.S. league rules.

The CSL is the only league in direct membership with Canada’s national soccer governance CSA. It’s also 100 per cent Canadian, having resisted approaches over the years from teams in New York State and Michigan wanting to play the CSL level of soccer unavailable in their respective regions. The CSL occupies the upper level semi-professional structure as designated by the CSA, while semi-professional leagues launched within the jurisdiction of the provincial governing bodies form a next level, usually more accessible to a greater number of players wanting to step up from the vast amateur soccer population that is today the largest of all Canadian team sports.

The CSA has commissioned James Easton, a former Canadian youth and national team player with his company, the Rethink Management Group, to examine the viability of a Canadian professional league to be played as the highest level in a Canadian league structure.

The feasibility study will include similar work done in other countries and is expected to be concluded by the spring of 2012.

The CSL, which has an opportunity to fill that role under the guidance and rules of the CSA, has already planned for eventual expansion on a regional basis. This means except when required for special once-in-a-while championship games involving teams from each region, there will not be extensive travel with the attendant costs that caused the demise of numerous teams and leagues and which plagued North American soccer through to the end of the last century.

It now appears the day is not too far off when this country’s professional soccer will be clearer for everyone and stronger, a favourable development that should help Canada be more competitive on the world stage.

……………………. // ………………………..

Canadian Soccer League

5610 Explorer Drive, Unit 1

Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4T7

Tel: 905 564-2297 Toll Free 1 888 216-9913 Fax: 905 671-6450

csl@canadiansoccerleague.ca www.canadiansoccerleague.ca

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

The CSA has commissioned James Easton, a former Canadian youth and national team player with his company, the Rethink Management Group, to examine the viability of a Canadian professional league to be played as the highest level in a Canadian league structure....The CSL, which has an opportunity to fill that role under the guidance and rules of the CSA, has already planned for eventual expansion on a regional basis....

Hence the sudden insistence that D3 sanctioning standards actually be met?

[Tuscan]

The CSL must realize that they either adapt to what Easton's findings will be, or die.

[PJSweet]

The sad story here is that soccer news analyst Ben Rycroft has reported a month ago that only 3 CSL teams are deemed to be in compliance with the CSA's D3 fianancial standards. Some of these clubs have to get their act together or face elimination. I will really like to see a D2 pro league from sea-to-sea, but some of these clubs have to reforms themselves.

[esham83]

or we let the boys from Milltown to take a shot at D3 and lets see what they can do. The CSL has had their time to get their act together

and they haven't. Time for someone new to take charge.

[Lord Bob]

"The 'Canadian' Soccer League: we don't even know what FC Edmonton is called, but take us seriously anyway."

[PJSweet]

Has there been any latest leaks of information from this James Easton commission? How many provincial bodies have been interviewed so far?

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

...I will really like to see a D2 pro league from sea-to-sea, but some of these clubs have to reforms themselves.

This part is worth a look:

The CSL, which has an opportunity to fill that role under the guidance and rules of the CSA, has already planned for eventual expansion on a regional basis. This means except when required for special once-in-a-while championship games involving teams from each region, there will not be extensive travel with the attendant costs that caused the demise of numerous teams and leagues and which plagued North American soccer through to the end of the last century.

All well and good and highly sensible, in my opinion, but if there are also provincial level semi-pro leagues and this part suggests there will be:

The CSL occupies the upper level semi-professional structure as designated by the CSA, while semi-professional leagues launched within the jurisdiction of the provincial governing bodies form a next level, usually more accessible to a greater number of players wanting to step up from the vast amateur soccer population that is today the largest of all Canadian team sports.

where is the niche for the CSL if its regular season is going to be relatively local in scope and there are also going to be provincial semi-pro leagues? Not entirely sure what to make of this press release. Looks like the role they are trying to carve out for themselves is to provide a face saving plan B for the CSA if what they really want (i.e. a national coast-to-coast D2 division) fails to materialize. All will be revealed soon by the looks of things.

[kj52]

This part is worth a look:

The CSL, which has an opportunity to fill that role under the guidance and rules of the CSA, has already planned for eventual expansion on a regional basis. This means except when required for special once-in-a-while championship games involving teams from each region, there will not be extensive travel with the attendant costs that caused the demise of numerous teams and leagues and which plagued North American soccer through to the end of the last century.

All well and good and highly sensible, in my opinion, but if there are also provincial level semi-pro leagues and this part suggests there will be:

The CSL occupies the upper level semi-professional structure as designated by the CSA, while semi-professional leagues launched within the jurisdiction of the provincial governing bodies form a next level, usually more accessible to a greater number of players wanting to step up from the vast amateur soccer population that is today the largest of all Canadian team sports.

where is the niche for the CSL if its regular season is going to be relatively local in scope and there are also going to be provincial semi-pro leagues? Not entirely sure what to make of this press release. Looks like the role they are trying to carve out for themselves is to provide a face saving plan B for the CSA if what they really want (i.e. a national coast-to-coast D2 division) fails to materialize. All will be revealed soon by the looks of things.

Cue Juby.

[Redcoatsforever]

while semi-professional leagues launched within the jurisdiction of the provincial governing bodies form a next level,

Based on this bit, I wonder if the CSL would be after turning into an umbrella organization for a regional second division throughout Canada, with Provincial semi-pros forming the new third division. It'll be interesting to see what develops, because I honestly don't think the feasibility study will be coming back totally negative.

[ThiKu]

CSL already approached BC for this and it went nowhere.

[Redcoatsforever]

CSL already approached BC for this and it went nowhere.

At the 2011 London City preseason presser I heard Pino Jazbec say that talks were still ongoing with the BC folks and that they expected an announcement about it in the 2012 preseason period. Not necessarily a good sign, but more info nonetheless.

[Juby]

edit: Sorry it's a little long, it's actually not very dickish and the middle three paragraphs are nicer 'info' posts

Based on this bit, I wonder if the CSL would be after turning into an umbrella organization for a regional second division throughout Canada, with Provincial semi-pros forming the new third division.

This is the obvious answers to blizzards silly point, no need to really let him waste more time on nothing and make beleive problems.

As far as the D arguements go, from what I've been hearing, there's a whole reshaping at the national level so apparently argueing about D's is a vernacular waste of time (I can't prove it, but ever since I heard I've been giggling at the D this-that arguements).

The 'audit' wasn't actually an audit, it was a payroll check. The CSL's team salary minimum is now $75 000 so last year, unfortunately many teams didn't quite make this new higher bar (it used to be 45 000, no?). Fortunately, because the word audit is a bit of an overstatement, the solution was literally just as simple as the reality of the 'audit'. The only factor is every team has to pass the salary minimum, it's not a bunch of mitigating factors, it's that simple and will probably be fixed before this season starts (about a year ahead of the necessary time). Sorry, I know a lot of the conspiracy theorists had a lot of hope that this 'audit' was a magic tool to grant their wishes but it's actually just a little overblown.

Also, about BC, I think the CSL is always trying to expand into other regional areas and BC just has a lot of infrastructure, so it's a natural first talking point. But being so far away they probably would be the last to join (even if it's just for a cup). So I wouldn't read much into the BC talk, I'd say it's not really likely yet, but it's probably never off the table.

The embarrassing thing about some people at this board isn't just a few people talking ****, it's a general attitude (esham's the best example here) many more people have that they 'own' these clubs and leagues (many complainers don't even buy tickets). Like Esham was saying the "the CSL had it's shot", besides the fact that in a capitalist democracy it's only legal to out compete not flick a switch, it's just silly that like half the major investors in Canadian soccer (I'm just saying their like half the teams PDL and up) can't get any respect because their not pro yet, or joe forumbored doesn't think their making enough progress (compared to whom? Except for a couple guys from milltown, odds are I'm talking to people not even trying to compete, just complaining. Good on the Milltown guys though, good or bad consequences, no one can say their all talk. And by the same sword, that's why everyone should be a little more respectful to the CSL, their actually putting their money where their mouth is.).

The CSL has a 'shot' to improve every year, and they have, until their put to shame this is silly attitude

[tarnado1555362291]

"The 'Canadian' Soccer League: we don't even know what FC Edmonton is called, but take us seriously anyway."

indeed

[ted]

I just find it kind of sad that there is nothing in this "new" position significantly different than what they have been saying for the last ten years. I honestly do not wish them ill - some of the individual teams seem to be doing good things - but until the league as an organization comes up with something more than the same words over and over and over again it is all rather farcical.

[Juby]

I just find it kind of sad that there is nothing in this "new" position significantly different than what they have been saying for the last ten years. I honestly do not wish them ill - some of the individual teams seem to be doing good things - but until the league as an organization comes up with something more than the same words over and over and over again it is all rather farcical.

*Not very arguementative*

In all honesty, it'll probably take them on their own another decade at least to reach their goals on their own, does this mean they shouldn't have these kind of ambitions? Considering their relative position, I think it's only natural they occasionally try and take a leadership role (bit of a vacuum as far as that goes) and their are probably a couple people here who would harp on the league if they didn't seem to have these ambitions.

I think this as an 'issue' mostly boils down to the slow nature of progress: were hoping a semi pro league grows into a pro league, raising the salary minimum, improving gameplay and a few new semi pro teams might not be 'sexiest' growth but you shouldn't begrudge the low level growth because of a lack of medium level investors currently involved. I think it's generally impatience on many people's part (it's a grassroots approach) and frustration on my part (probably too much) because the blame should be going towards the silent business community that hasn't stepped up enough rather then balking at the contributions of those that have actually stepped up (It's like snapping an imperfect fork because your frustrated at your lack of cutlery, relax dude, your poor...)

[Redcoatsforever]

"The 'Canadian' Soccer League: we don't even know what FC Edmonton is called, but take us seriously anyway."

Given that the Voyageur's NASL board had "Edmonton FC" in its title for almost a year, and that I've seen it come up as Edmonton FC in newspaper articles, and that Foote Field is worse than Lamport Stadium, I think people should probably let this one slide.

[Alex D]

The CSA needs to design a practical pyramid for the domestic game. If the CSL itself or CSL clubs can fit into that pyramid, good for them. But the CSA can't handover the whole country to a third party operator with a history of not following up on promises.

[PJSweet]

The CSA needs to design a practical pyramid for the domestic game. If the CSL itself or CSL clubs can fit into that pyramid, good for them. But the CSA can't handover the whole country to a third party operator with a history of not following up on promises.

You got that right...What I hate about the CSL is when clubs come into the league and then fold 2 years later. These guys have to start setting up serious standards in their finances of each individual club. A club that can not meet serious standards does not deserve to be in this league. That's the bottom line.

[jpg75]

These guys have to start setting up serious standards in their finances of each individual club. A club that can not meet serious standards does not deserve to be in this league. That's the bottom line.

Agreed. We need a strong D3 presence in this country and the CSL has the inside track to be that player, they just need to weed out the pretenders.

[ted]

I think it's generally impatience on many people's part

You and I have a very different definition of patience.

Issuing this statement as though it was somehow new saddens me. After a decade of saying they were going places and making things happen there has been not the slightest bit of progress towards these goals and it is frustrating to see a big deal made out of literally nothing.

If there had been the tiniest amount of progress we could call the speed "glacial" and I could try to be "patient" a little longer. But in this case the only news seems to be:

1. Goals unchanged
   
2. In danger of losing sanctioning
   

What exactly are we supposed to be patiently waiting for? How long do you suggest we keep investing our hopes into the CSL before we admit they are not the way forward?

I'm not even saying that the CSL is done because I do not know. Maybe there is a plan or investors or something just around the corner to make progress towards the goals they keep stating. It just seems to look less and less likely every day from out here.

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

The motivation behind the press release is clearer after this CSN story:

http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?2681-CSL-sanctioning-and-what-it-could-mean-for-Toronto-FC-Academy

....In mid-December, because of some procedural paperwork, the CSA granted the CSL a month reprieve to bring forward findings that showed it was meeting the standards. The CSL will once again meet with the CSA this week to review its sanctioning.

Those close to the situation - including members on the professional committee - have told CSN that the CSA would be willing to overlook small infractions that did not fall in line with the D3 standards but stressed that those that were held in high regard, including player's salaries, would not be passed over lightly.

Which means, baring an accounting miracle, that the CSL could lose its nationally sanctioned D3 status in the next week.

At which point, they would be forced to apply to sanctioning on the provincial level - in this case that means the Ontario Soccer Association. That also means, that as a provincially sanctioned league, they would have to limit their play to one province. Given that this is a predominately Ontario league, only the Montreal Impact Academy falls outside of Ontario's jurisdiction, the CSL would then have to cut ties with the Montreal team to apply for OSA sanctioning....

[Rocket Robin]

For Immediate Release

The business of soccer a league priority urges CSL team owner

TORONTO – Wednesday, January 25 - The CSL is turning its attention to the business of soccer, which is expected to be a major point of focus leading to the upcoming 2012 season and beyond. Financial strength will be given greater consideration in the league’s future development and the role the league will play as a significant member of the Canadian soccer community.

The league administration and the member clubs are in general agreement that CSL games are attractive to watch, having reached a good skill level over the years, but the business side has not kept pace and has some catching up to do.

Tony De Thomasis, owner of the CSL’s York Region Shooters, is one expressing his views on the subject. “ We have a great soccer history and soccer we are good at, but we must now give more thought to the business side of the league,” says De Thomasis, a successful businessman in the financial and investments sector who believes that a sound financial base with good, experienced ownership, will take the league much beyond what it has achieved so far.

“Perhaps it’s just the way the earlier clubs looked at professional soccer, but today all pro clubs must see that a stable, strong future is based on firm business principles and business skills. At this level, it’s no longer a hobby, no longer just what takes place on the field of play,” said De Thomasis.

As a league, the CSL is experiencing unprecedented attention and interest from home and overseas. And for good reason. The increasing number of enquiries suggest Canada is certainly the place to be for talented individual foreign players unable to break into professional soccer in their own country, while here at home the CSL is receiving enquiries from community teams and groups with a desire to move up to the higher level semi-professional game

In the 2011 season, the CSL had 17 clubs in membership and fielded 14 teams in each of its first and second divisions and with last year’s member clubs committed to return for the upcoming 2012 campaign, it’s clear the top division may well be a bulky minimum 17 teams.

In a league known for its good play, it’s not surprising that during the past three seasons, no less than 27 players with CSL teams moved to higher level clubs overseas and 42 were selected for one or more of the national teams of their country – including Canada.

But the CSL administration and the member clubs are giving more attention and thought to the business side of the CSL and what this will mean for the future of a league that was formed back in 1926 and has faithfully maintained its Canadian identity since that time.

De Thomasis, a strong proponent of interfacing youth players with professional soccer to accelerate a player’s development, feels the CSL and its forerunner leagues played very good soccer, but have been short on vision when it came to building a successful league in the modern game.

It’s also generally agreed that a stronger CSL will contribute meaningfully to a stronger professional soccer structure for Canada, which is bound to help the Canadian national teams compete more favourably in world competition.

Canadian standards for professional soccer written in 1996 have been reviewed recently by the national governing body CSA and a new base line is now being set for the CSL and its teams. The CSL and the Canadian Soccer Association are presently discussing these revised standards, some media reporting of which has lacked accuracy, including the tone of the discussions taking place and suggested course of action by the CSA if the new standards cannot be met.

Pino Jazbec, the CSL league administrator, is confident the league will meet the CSA’s necessary requirements for professional soccer, but makes a point that a few CSL clubs for the first time in their history are facing some financial standards that translate into higher cost. Jazbec says, however, “Given a little time, this is something the league and the clubs will come to terms with, while at the same time from a business perspective we will position ourselves to more easily adjust to such changes in the future.”

The CSL will release its 2012 league formation during February-March for a six-month long campaign beginning the first week of May through to the end of October.

Canadian Soccer League

5610 Explorer Drive, Unit 1

Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4T7

Tel: 905 564-2297 Toll Free 1 888 216-9913 Fax: 905 671-6450

csl@canadiansoccerleague.ca www.canadiansoccerleague.ca

[Drew Shaw]

As long as a league has teams named "Serbia", "Croatia", and "Roma", it's not a business, it's a social club in which sport is the second priority behind maintaining tribal identities. People rightly consider a league with those names in it to be a bush-league, and won't pay to watch or sponsor it. It's an embarrassment to the clubs that are inclusive (Brampton, Mississauga, Capital City, etc) to have tribal clubs in their league. Until the CSL addresses this "elephant in the room" they will never be considered a spectator option in the same way that Canadian junior hockey is.

The alternative is pretty obvious: franchised, inclusive teams. One in places like Windsor, London, Hamilton, Kitchener, and Ottawa, with some teams across greater Toronto (Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, Scarborough, Oshawa). No tribal names. No religious organisations. Instead, people playing in the team that is close to them geographically (I know, what a radical concept). Inclusive soccer teams where the only "ethnic" identity is "Canadian". Once that happens, you can START to appeal to the average sports fan to take your product seriously as an entertainment option.

[Redcoatsforever]

For the most part, this press release is just a vague set of statements about focusing on making money and running a better business. I'm not saying the CSL shouldn't focus more on their business side, but until I see more professional signings and higher standards in advertising and business operations it'll all just be talk.

Hopefully they get it together as de Thomasis has suggested. Shooters are definitely one of the better run clubs, and if anyone is dolling out advice to the league's owners about getting the business side in order, it should probably be the guys who actually meet CSA sanctioning requirements. Given that the only other team doing so is the Academy of an MLS club, de Thomasis seems like the guy to listen to for D3 specific business advice.